Dataset Information

International study of definitions of English-language terms for suicidal behaviours: a survey exploring preferred terminology.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Explore international consensus on nomenclatures of suicidal behaviours and analyse differences in terminology between high-income countries (HICs) and low/middle-income countries (LMICs).

Design

An online survey of members of the International Organisation for Suicide Prevention (IASP) used multiple-choice questions and vignettes to assess the four dimensions of the definition of suicidal behaviour: outcome, intent, knowledge and agency.

Setting

International.

Participants

Respondents included 126 individuals, 37 from 30 LMICs and 89 from 33 HICs. They included 40 IASP national representatives (65% response rate), IASP regular members (20% response rate) and six respondents from six additional countries identified by other organisations.

Outcome measures

Definitions of English-language terms for suicidal behaviours.

Results

The recommended definition of 'suicide' describes a fatal act initiated and carried out by the actors themselves. The definition of 'suicide attempt' was restricted to non-fatal acts with intent to die, whereas definition of 'self-harm' more broadly referred to acts with varying motives, including the wish to die. Almost all respondents agreed about the definitions of 'suicidal ideation', 'death wishes' and 'suicide plan'. 'Aborted suicide attempt' and 'interrupted suicide attempt' were not considered components of 'preparatory suicidal behaviour'. There were several differences between representatives from HICs and LMICs.

Conclusion

This international opinion survey provided the basis for developing a transcultural nomenclature of suicidal behaviour. Future developments of this nomenclature should be tested in larger samples of professionals, including LMICs may be a challenge.

SUBMITTER: De Leo D

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7875264 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

International study of definitions of English-language terms for suicidal behaviours: a survey exploring preferred terminology.

De Leo Diego D Goodfellow Benjamin B Silverman Morton M Berman Alan A Mann John J Arensman Ella E Hawton Keith K Phillips M R MR Vijayakumar Lakshmi L Andriessen Karl K Chavez-Hernandez Ana-Maria AM Heisel Marnin M Kolves Kairi K

BMJ open 20210209 2

<h4>Objectives</h4>Explore international consensus on nomenclatures of suicidal behaviours and analyse differences in terminology between high-income countries (HICs) and low/middle-income countries (LMICs).<h4>Design</h4>An online survey of members of the International Organisation for Suicide Prevention (IASP) used multiple-choice questions and vignettes to assess the four dimensions of the definition of suicidal behaviour: outcome, intent, knowledge and agency.<h4>Setting</h4>International.<h ...[more]

PMID: 33563622

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Project description:IntroductionThe objective of present paper is to outline the methodology of the International Study of Definitions of English-Language Terms for Suicidal Behaviours (ISDELTSB). The aim of the study is to survey existing English language terms and definitions used around the world for suicidal behaviour.Methods and analysisThe ISDELTSB is a worldwide survey based on one 'designated expert' per each WHO-registered country. 'Experts' were contacted through the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), the World Psychiatric Association and the World Organization of Family Doctors. Each individual was sent an invitation to participate and a link to an online questionnaire. A comparison sample was created by inviting all IASP members to respond to the questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed to assess respondents' preferences about a particular set of terms and definitions by using the four major criteria of the definition of suicide identified in the literature (outcome, intent, knowledge and agency). The questionnaire used a multiple-choice question format. Participants were asked to choose one term in the list for each of the proposed definitions. Statements and definitions in the questionnaire were elaborated using the four main features of the definition of suicide, starting by the definitions and terms for which there is already a certain degree of consensus and then progressing to definitions and terms less agreed on.Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol obtained approval of Griffith University's Ethics Committee (ethics reference number 2017/601) and in accordance with the Australian National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. Respondents are asked if they accept to be personally acknowledged in any output originating from this study, and if so to provide their full name, title and affiliations. If respondents do not accept, they are informed that the conduct of this research respects Griffith University's Privacy Plan and that identified personal information is confidential and that anonymity will at all times be safeguarded. As detailed in the questionnaire cover letter, by answering the online or paper version of the questionnaire, respondents express their consent to participate. Dissemination of results will be done through a peer-reviewed journal article publication. This study aims to map the international use of definitions and terms for suicidal behaviour and ideation and favour the future use of an internationally shared set of terms and definitions. This will hopefully avoid undue duplication of efforts and reliably permit meta-analysis of data produced in different countries.

Dataset Information

International study of definitions of English-language terms for suicidal behaviours: a survey exploring preferred terminology.

Objectives

Design

Setting

Participants

Outcome measures

Results

Conclusion

Publications

International study of definitions of English-language terms for suicidal behaviours: a survey exploring preferred terminology.

Similar Datasets

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